OMG, what a day! Like, seriously, I can’t even. So, I woke up in my little room on Kawai Street, right? The sun was shining, birds were chirping, and I thought, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I had to get ready for my gig. You know, the whole Maiko thing—makeup, kimono, the works. I was feeling cute, but then I realized I forgot my favorite obi! Ugh, like, how could I? It’s like forgetting your phone, right? So, I had to rush to the shop on Nakamachi Street. The lady there was super nice, but I swear, she was taking her sweet time. I was like, “C’mon, lady! I got places to be!”
Finally got my obi and dashed to the tea house on Asama Street. The streets were packed! I mean, Toyoshina is usually chill, but today? Nah. Tourists everywhere, snapping pics like they were at a concert or something. I almost tripped over a kid who was too busy looking at his phone. Like, dude, watch where you’re going!
So, I get to the tea house, and it’s buzzing. I’m all set to perform, and then—bam! The power goes out. Just my luck, right? I’m standing there in my full Maiko getup, and it’s pitch black. I’m thinking, “Great, now I’m a ghost or something.” But then, the lights flicker back on, and everyone’s cheering. I’m like, “Yay, I’m not a ghost!”
I start my dance, and it’s going well. I mean, I’m feeling it, you know? But then, halfway through, I see this guy in the front row. He’s totally not paying attention. He’s on his phone! I’m like, “Dude, I’m right here! Show some respect!” But whatever, I keep going.
After the performance, I’m feeling all pumped. I head out to grab some food on Chuo Street. I’m craving some yakitori, right? So I find this little stall, and the guy there is super friendly. He’s like, “You’re a Maiko! That’s awesome!” I’m blushing, like, “Thanks, dude!” But then, I order my food, and he gives me this massive portion. I’m like, “Whoa, I didn’t sign up for a food challenge!”
While I’m munching, I overhear this group of tourists talking about the Matsumoto Castle. I’m like, “You guys are in Toyoshina! Why not check out the local stuff?” But they’re all about the castle. I mean, it’s cool and all, but Toyoshina has its own vibe!
Anyway, I finish my food and decide to stroll around. I hit up the Toyoshina River. It’s so pretty there, especially with the cherry blossoms. I’m just vibing, taking pics, and then—bam! I step in a puddle. My geta gets soaked. I’m like, “Great, just great.”
But then, I see this little kid feeding ducks. And I’m like, “Aww, that’s cute!” So I sit down and watch. The kid’s all excited, and I can’t help but smile. It’s those little moments, you know?
As the sun sets, I’m walking back home, and I can’t help but think about the day. It was a rollercoaster, for sure. From forgetting my obi to almost becoming a ghost, to the food challenge, and the cute kid. Toyoshina, you wild!
I finally get home, and I’m exhausted. But I’m also happy. I love this city, with its crazy streets and unexpected moments. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!